About This Book
Reach for this book when your middle schooler begins questioning authority or feels restless within the rigid rules of their environment. Vega Jane lives in Wormwood, a town where no one ever leaves and secrets are the currency of the powerful. When she witnesses a friend flee into the terrifying forest known as the Quag, she begins to realize her entire world is built on a foundation of lies. It is a high stakes fantasy about the cost of truth and the bravery required to seek independence. This story is ideal for children aged 10 to 14 who enjoy complex world building and resilient protagonists. While it contains intense moments of peril and frightening monsters, the core of the book focuses on integrity and the importance of standing up for what is right even when the odds are stacked against you. It provides a safe space to explore the concept of systemic deception and the transition from childhood obedience to adolescent critical thinking.
